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Socceroos thank fans

Having qualified for their third straight World Cup overnight, the Socceroos today came together to pay tribute to their loyal green and gold fans.

Having qualified for their third straight World Cup overnight, the Socceroos today came together to pay tribute to their loyal green and gold fans.

The players were welcomed at a packed civic reception at Sydney-s Customs House where they had the opportunity to personally thank the supporters that were by their side throughout the long qualifying campaign.

In what was a hard-fought tussle with Iraq, Josh Kennedy headed home the winning goal in the 83rd minute to ensure Australia booked their ticket to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"I think it is still sinking in," Kennedy said as the crowd roared at his introduction.

"I didn't get much sleep last night, but hopefully spending a few days with friends and family will start to make it all feel real."

Man of the match and crowd favourite Tim Cahill, who will be one of four Socceroos to return for their third World Cup campaign in Brazil, was ecstatic to see the amazing turnout at the reception.

"It's just fantastic, and we want to say thank you to everyone who came at such short notice, it means a lot to us," said Cahill.

After reflecting on their overnight performance the players headed out into the crowd to mingle with fans, taking photos, signing autographs and chatting with some of their biggest supporters.

FFA CEO David Gallop helped sum up the mood many patriotic Australians woke up feeling this morning.

"This is important for Australian football. This is important for Australian sport. This is important for our nation.”

And with Brazil-s appeal as a destination for the world-s biggest sporting event, he hoped as many Australians as possible would have the opportunity to follow the Socceroos all the way to South America in 2014.

“Thanks everyone, I hope you all get to go to Rio and all get to sing the Peter Allen song (I go to Rio).”